Europe

Where can you see artifacts of grisly torture and interesting methods of punishment amidst quaint cobbled streets and ancient walls? Why, Rothenburg op de Tauber, where they have a neat and instructional Medieval Crime and Punishment museum!

What Is It: This museum will show you forms of medieval torture, punishment, lawmaking, and some of the world’s first folding chairs! As you wander its dank and dark tunnels and emerge in the light and airy atrium, you will have the opportunity to learn and explore how people were punished hundreds of years ago. Some of the exhibits are almost humorous, such as the grotesque metal masks, but also sobering, like the whips and executioners block. Regardless, this museum cannot be missed on your next trip to Rothenburg!

Favorite Memory: One of my favorite exhibits was the one that showed how prisoners would sit on the ground and goats would come by and lick their feet. It would tickle so badly, they could not stop laughing. That was their form of punishment. I know a few people who would not mind that punishment….

What is it: A very old stone tower steeped in history and legend. Ghost stories, murders, ruffians and royals all have their place in The Tower of London. The Beefeaters will give you a tower with plenty of jolly good fun and a the hidden history of the Tower.

Favorite Memory: One of the most interesting aspects of the Tower of London is to see the rooms where prisoners had etched in artwork. Messages scratched into the walls range from ominous to depressing. Prisoners such as Lady Jane Grey among others have all left their mark permanently imposed onto the infamous Tower walls.

Time Saving Tip: Go to the Tower early in the morning, and see the crown jewels right away. In the morning, the line for the jewels will be minimal. Wait a few hours and it will be very long!

If you are in London, don’t miss the Tower!

Now, the photos:

This pillow is set up in memory of those who were executed on this spot, such as Queen Anne Boleyn